Corncrib



J. COWIN July 23, 1940.

GORNCRIB {filed Sept. 19, 1938 2 SheetsSh eet l INVENTOR JAMES COWI N ATTORNEYS July 23, 1940.

J. cow'iN 2,209,073

CORNCRIB Filed Sept. 19, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR a JAMESflC/lfWlgl I l 17 By M 1-22 ATTORNEY5 l atented July 23, 1940 iii - j srA'rEs .rENT OFFICE i CORNCRIB James Cowin, Minneapolis, Minn, assignor to Cowin and Company, Minneapolis, Minn, a

, corporation of Minnesota if-the crib-is not adequately ventilated. The crib sirens be s6 constructedas to permit free circui-l'ationoiairthroughout the entire interior there 18 of, so that Yallfof the corn or contents of the crib ,maismrefm the corn may be carried off. When ithe 'corn isTthtiSlthoroughly ventilated, while stored in'the crihit may" readily be dried and j'c'uredto provide a high grade corn having a relatively" high -germinative rating. It is also essential that thewalls of thecrib be so, con- 's tructed'that rain{ and snow will not enter the crib, in suchfafmanner as to damage thecorn, land the cribmust alsobe so constructed as to prevent oldents'andfother vermin from entering.

"Cribs "d igned nfor storing corn are sometimes rl atively'largej in size, and itis therefore desirable that such"cribs be provided with means 39 iwhe fthe'corn or contents thereof may readily bare/ 103 66. from thecrib with a minimum of ,Qfibl 1."Tne n velfco ncrib herein disclosed, has been designed'to meetffall of 'therequirements of a l iighlyflefllicient and practical storage structure fon'corii and',other materials to which it may be applicable. dd

object of the present invention, therefore, i""to"p" r ovide acorncrib wherein all of the objectionableffeatures now commonly present in c ventionalcorncribs have been eliminated.

further object is to provide an all-metal corn- "Whioh isyery rigid and substantial in construction, and which has means in its upper portiontojffa 'litate loading it, and also having imean embed in the bottom thereof to facili- 'tateremovingthevcontentstherefrom. ,further. object is toprovide anall-metal CribQLfthetVaHsof which are, provided with 50 ced,'{].hdrizontally disposed louvres, pier'm freejair ,circulation, therethrough, hopper bottomprovided with an argeuopening normally closed by saga-sagas st le slid doorspwhich doors may readily be uflicientlylaerated or-ventilated,so that the r Application September 19, 1938, Serial No. 230,652

operated from one end of the crib to discharge v the contents therefrom.

A further object resides in the novel construction of the roof, which is made of curved sheets which preferably are corrugated, although not necessarily, having their contiguous edges overlapped and suitably secured together, and havingtheir lower edges suitably supported on opposed walls of the crib in such a manner that no rafters are required to support the roof.

, Other objects of the invention residein the general construction of the crib; in the manner of securing together the end and side walls andthe semi-cylindrical roof; in the construction of the hopper bottom, the side walls of which are composed of wire mesh to permit maximum air circulation therethrough; in the construction and novel arrangement of thehorizontally disposed slide doors in the hopper bottom, which also are perforated, whereby air may circulate freely through theentire bottom of the crib; in the construction of the door, and the means provided in the door opening forpreventing the corn or' contents of the crib from discharging through the door opening, when the door is opened; and, in the constructional details of the crib, whereby it may be manufactured in quantity production at small cost, and whereby it is extremely inexpensive to maintain.

, Other objects of the invention will appear from the following description and accompanying drawings and will be pointed out in the annexed claims.

In the accompanying drawings there has been disclosed a structure designed tocarry out the various objects of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is not confined to the exact features shown as various changes may be made within the scope of the claims which follow.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view showing a side elevation of my novel corncrib;

Figure 2 is an end View of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure 1, showing the louvres in the walls of the crib for permitting air circulation therethrough;

Figure 4 is a detail-sectional plan View on the line 4-4 of Figure 3, showing the novel construction of the hopper bottom; Figure 5 is a detail sectional view on the line 55 of Figure 1, showing the preferred manner of securing together the louvred plates which form the walls of the crib;

in Figure l.

Figure 6 is a detail sectional view substantially on the line t6 of Figure 3, showing the means for securing the roof to the. side walls of the crib; Figure 7 is a detail sectional view on the line l''! of Figure 6; and

Figure 8 is a detail sectional view on the line 88 of Figure 3, showing the means provided in the doorway for preventing the corn or contents of the crib from dischargingtherethrough, when the door is opened.

The novel corncrib, herein disclosed, is shown comprising a suitable supporting structure or frame comprising upright corner posts l and side posts 2. These posts are secured together by suitable longitudinally extending side frame members 3, 1, 5, and 3. Suitable sheet metal plates l are secured to the side frame members 3, 4, and 5, and upright members 8 are provided at the joints between the plates, as illustrated To facilitate manufacture, the sheets 1 are preferably arranged in upright relation.

' The upright members 8 are preferably U- shapedin cross-section, as best shown at the left hand side of Figure 5, and the marginal edges of the plates 1, upon which the frame members 3 are seated, are preferably provided with outwardly turned flanges 9 which are received within the posts or members 3. A strap-like bar H is fitted over the marginal edges of the side plates '3 within the crib, and are secured in position by bolts l2, which pass through alined apertures provided in the posts 8 and straps H. The marginal edges of the wall plates '3 are thus clamped in position between the posts 3 and straps ll, thereby allowing for free expansion and contraction of the structure at these joints in a horizontal direction. The marginal edge portions of the wall plates 3, which are secured to the upright posts l and 3 are substantially flat, as shown at the right hand side of Figure 5, and are clamped to said posts by. straps l3 and clamping bolts M.

The side walls of the crib are supported by suitable transverse frame members l5, l6, and l1,

' having'their ends suitably secured to the corner posts I ofthe supporting frame.

The end walls of the crib are constructed in a manner similar to the side walls and each comprises a plurality of upright channel members lfi'and I9, disposed over the joints between sheets, in a manner similar to the channel members 8. The members 28 at each end of the crib, extend upwardly from the lower frame members I! and have arch-shaped roof-supporting members 20 secured to the upper ends thereof. These archshaped members have their terminals suitably secured to the upper ends of the corner posts I of the structure. The intermediate channel members 59 have their upper ends secured to the arches 23 and their lower ends to the cross members it, as bestshown in Figure 3.

The side walls are rigidly bracedtogether by suitable diagonal braces 2i having their ends secured to the side frame members 3 and 4, as best shown in Figure 3. From the foregoing, it will be noted that a very rigid and substantial frame structure is provided.

' A feature of the invention resides in the novel construction of the roof which preferably is constructed of corrugated metal sheets, having the corrugations running crosswise of the roof, as shown in Figure 1, so as to stiffen and strengthen the roof. By thus corrugating the roof plates, the roof may be constructed without the use of rafters or other intermediate supporting frame elements, with a resultant reduction in cost. The roof plates extend transversely of the roof and each is preferably made long enough to extend from side to side of the structure, whereby, when the ends of said plates are secured to the upper 5 side frame members 3, as best illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the roof becomes very rigid. The transversely disposed roof plates have their contiguous edges overlapped and suitably secured'together by'bolts or rivets 30, to prevent moisture 10 from entering therebetween. While I have herein referred to the roof as being constructed of corrugated sheet metal, I do not wish to be so limited, as in some instances, it might be found more desirable to use flat, uncorrugated sheets. 15 For all practical purposes, however, corrugated sheets seem to be preferable.

The roof plates are secured to the upper longitudinally extending frame members 3 by suitable brackets 22, shown secured to the roof plates by 20 bolts 23. The brackets 22 have horizontal portions 24 seated upon the upper horizontally disposed flanges of the side frame members 3. The brackets 22 also preferably have downwardly extending portions 25 which engage the inner faces of the vertical flanges of the frame members 3, as shown in Figure 6, thereby to prevent the lower portion of the roof from spreading. To hold the brackets 22 firmly against the frame members 3, suitable hook bolts 26 are provided, the upper ends of which are engaged with loops 21 secured to the roof plates. The lower ends of the bolts 25 are engaged with hook brackets 28, shown fitted over the lower edges of the vertical flanges of the side frame members 3, as best illustrated 5 in Figure 7. By this arrangement, the brackets '22 may be drawn firmly against the side frame members 3, whereby a very rigid and substantial roof structure is provided without the use of a supporting frame, with the exception, of course, of the arch-shaped end framemembers 20' and the upper side frame members 3.

Suitableventilators 29 are provided in the roof of the crib to permit air to circulate freely from the interior of the crib. The number of these ventilators may vary, depending upon the size and length of the crib. Suitable slide doors, generally indicated by the numeral 3|, are also provided in the roof of the structure to facilitate loading the crib from the top. In the drawings, I have shown these'doors located adjacent" the lower side portions of the roof, but it is to be understood that they may be located at the extreme top of the roof, or inany other location, where desired. Suitable loading doors 32 are also provided in the upper portions of the side walls of the crib, as shown in Figure 1, to facilitate loading the crib at these points. 7 Another feature of the invention resides in the novel construction of the bottom of the crib, whereby the operation of unloading the cribIis greatly facilitated, regardless of whether the crib is partially or completely filled. As best shown in Figures 3 and 4, the bottom of the crib is in the form of a hopper and comprises inclined side walls 33, having their uppermost portions secured to and supported by the side frame members 5 of the side walls. The lower portions of the hopper walls 33 are spaced apart, as shown, to provide'an elongated discharge opening 34, which preferably extends from end to end of' the crib. This discharge opening is defined by spaced apart Iongitudinally extending rails 35 secured to. the lower end frame members 11, as best shown in Figure 3. The rails 35 may be in the form of'anglelrons,

and are preferably arranged as shown in Figure to provide upwardly extending flanges 36 which cooperate to provide supporting rails for a plurality of perforated slide doors, generally indicated by the numeral 31.. These slide doors provide means for closing the elongated discharge opening 34 to prevent the corn or contents of the crib from discharging therethrough.

the side frame members 5 and the lower rails 35 by suitable inclined supporting members 38, which are spaced apart lengthwise of the crib in such a manner as to adequately support the inclined hopper walls 33, when the crib is completely load.- ed .or filled.

In some instances it may be deemed more desirable to use expandedmetal or perforated metal sheets for the side walls '33, as a substitute for the wire mesh, and I therefore wish to have it understood that theinvention, in its broadest aspects, is intended to cover any material which may be practically usedto provide a well ventilated hopper bottom.

Another featureof the invention resldes in the unique construction of the door openings 39 pro- *vided in the ends of .the crib. These door open ings are normally closed by suitabledoors M, to

prevent the elements from entering through these door openings. To prevent the contents of the crib from discharging through the door openings 39, when the doors are opened, a plurality of :slats 42, preferably of metal, are removably supported in suitable inclined guides provided in the jambs of the door openings, These slats are so spaced apart anddisposed at such an angle that when the doors are opened, the corn cannot discharge through said openings. The slats are removably supported whereby they may readily be removed to permit the corn to discharge from the crib through the openings, when desired.

The novel crib, herein disclosed, may be loaded in any suitable manner, well known to the trade. To unload the crib or remove some of the contents therefrom, one of the doors 4! is preferably opened, and two or more of the lower slats 42 are then removed from the doorway, whereby access may readily be had to the adjacent end slide door 31. The slide door 3'! adjacent the door opening is then withdrawn, as illustratedin Figure 4, whereby the corn will discharge through the open portion of the elongated opening in the hopper bottom, onto the ground, or onto any suitable receiving means, such as a conveyor, not shown, which may be arranged beneath said opening. The bottom of the crib is spaced a sufficient distance from the ground to permit a suitable conveyor to be placed beneath the discharge opening 34, as above stated.

To discharge or remove corn from the crib, one of the slide doors 3! at one end of the crib is pulled outwardly, as shown in Figure 4, or it may be completely removed from the crib, if desired. When a portion of the corn at the end of the crib has been discharged through the opening 34, the next slide 31 is moved forwardly toward the door opening, whereby the discharge opening 34 is, in effect, moved inwardly beneath the corn or contents ofthe crib. By thus successively'm'oving the slide doors3'! forwardly, asithei corn disicharges from the crib, all of'the con'tentsmay readily be removed therefromi by manipulation of the slide doors 31,'which greatly facilitates the operation of unloading the icrib.-

By constructing the crib,zas herein disclosed, free circulation of air is permitted throughout the entire contents of the crib. The wirem'esh -walls oi the hopper bottom permitmaximum air circulation therethrough, which is desirablebecause the corn is usually packed more. densely in the bottom of. the crib than in the upper portion thereof. The slide doors 3] arealsoperforated so as to provide ample air circulation there.- through. The louvres provided in the side and end walls of the crib are spaced relatively close together and because of their inherent construction, prevent snow and rain fromentering the crib in sufficient amounts to; in any way, damage the corn. It will also be noted that the entire structureis rodent-proof, whereby corn or other a grain may be sored in the crib for long periods without the slightest danger of becomingidestroyed by rats or mice, as is common. with a great many well-known cribs. i

The entire structure is selfecontained and: is sufiiciently braced to permit iti' to be readily moved about from place toplacewithoutdanger of damaging ordistorting the crib; i

In the drawings I have shown the side and end walls as being perforated or louvered} to-permit air circulation therethroug'h. Thisis a desirable feature, but is not absolutelyessential.- If the hopper bottom is Well ventilated, and the roof is provided withsuitable ventilators, it is" possible to obtain sufficient air circulation through'the crib to adequately dry the corn :and "prevent it from heating and molding. Two or more' ofthe crib walls are preferably perforated;howeverg as it tends to induce more rapid air "circulation through the crib, particularly when the cribiis well filled. In the drawings, particularly in Figure 1, I have shown two upright frame members 8 disposed between the upright supporting posts I and 2 of the side walls. It is to be understood that, if desired, the upright supporting posts 2 may be spaced relatively closer together to allow but one member 8 between adjacent posts 2. The number of loading doors and ventilators may also be varied, depending upon the length and size of the crib. A door 4| is preferably provided at each end of the crib, whereby the contents may be discharged from the crib from either end thereof. It is also to be noted that the crib is constructed entirely of metal, which is properly weather-proofed to prevent deterioration thereof, whereby the cost of maintaining-the structure is greatly minimized.

I claim as my invention:

1. A grain crib comprising a plurality of substantially vertical walls of sheet metal fastened together to form an enclosed crib space, said walls being formed with ventilating openings, a roof over the crib space defined by the walls, and a bottom for said crib space extending inwardly at a substantial angle with respect to opposite side walls and downwardly therefrom to a position below said side Walls so as to be exposed to side winds impinging against the crib, said bottom having ventilating openings therein substantially throughout the extent of the bottom for the passage of air upwardly therethrou-gh, and a ventilating opening in the top of said crib.

' '2. Agrain crib comprising a frame, substantially vertical walls set together on said frame so as to enclose a crib space of substantially rectangular plan, said walls being formed with ven- 5 tilating openings and the bottom edges of opposed side walls being above ground level, a roof mounted on the frame for covering said crib space, said roof being formed with a ventilating opening therein for the outflow of air flowing upwardly through the crib, and a bottom for said crib space composed of a plurality of bottom members having ventilating openings substantially throughout the extent thereof, said bottom members extending inwardly at a substantial angle with respect to opposite side walls and downwardly therefrom to a position below said side walls so as to be exposed to side winds impinging against the crib, and means joining the adjacent lower edges of said bottom members.

3..A grain crib comp-rising a frame, substantially vertical walls set together on said frame so as to enclose a crib space of substantially rectangular plan, said walls being formed with ventilating openings and the bottom edges of opposed side walls being above ground level, a roof mounted on the frame for covering said crib space, said roof being formed with a ventilating opening therein for the outflow of air flowing upwardly through the crib, and a bottom for said crib space composed of a plurality of bottom members having ventilating openings substantially throughout the extent thereof, said bottom members extending inwardly at a substantial angle with respect to opposite side walls and downwardly therefrom to a position below said side walls so as to be exposed to side winds impinging against the crib, the bottom members ex tending downwardly from opposite sides being spaced apart at their lowermost edges to form a discharge opening, and a closure plate removably positioned across said opening for closing said opening,

4. A grain crib comprising a frame, substantially vertical walls set together on said frame so as to enclose a crib space of substantially rectangular plan, said walls being formed with ventilating openings and the bottom edges of opposed side walls being above ground level, a roof 5 mounted on the frame for covering said crib space, said roof being formed with a ventilating opening therein for the outflow of air flowing upwardly through the crib, and a bottom for said crib space composed of a plurality of bottom "10 members having ventilating openings substantially throughout the extent thereof, said bottom members extending inwardly at a substantial angle with respect to opposite side walls and downwardly therefrom to a position below said 35 side walls so as to be exposed to side winds impinging against the crib, the bottom members extending downwardly from opposite sides being spaced apart at their lowermost edges to form a discharge opening lengthwise of the crib inter- 20 mediate said side walls, closure plates mounted for endwise movement along said openings, and'a door in one of the vertical walls of the crib aligned with said opening.

5. A grain crib comprising a frame, substanm tially vertical walls set together on said frame so as to enclose a crib space of substantially rectangular plan, said walls being formed with ventilating openings and the bottom edges of opposed side walls being above ground level, a roof mounted on the frame for covering said crib space, said roof being formed with a ventilating opening therein for the outflow of air flowing upwardly through the crib, and a bottom for said crib composed of a plurality of wire fabric members, s bottom members extending inwardly at a substantial with respect to opposite side walls of the crib and downwardly therefrom to a position below said side walls so as to be exposed to side winds impinging against the crib, and [340 means joining adjacent lower edges of said bottom members.

JAMES COWIN. 

